Christ the King

Dr. Couch, is Christ the "king" over the church, as might be hinted at in Revelation 1:6? ANSWER: This passages says that the church believers are "a kingdom, priests to [Christ's] God and Father." We are "a" kingdom but not "the" kingdom, i.e., the Millennial earthly reign of Christ over the nation of Israel! As priests, we represent God to others, and others to God. But this does not make Christ our King as He will be when He rules and reigns over the kingdom of His earthly father David. This idea leads some to say "He is king in our hearts," a concept the Bible does not bring forth. I have practiced in my interpretative life to try to speak only where the Bible speaks and not to make a leap to something that it does not put forward. Where the Bible speaks, I speak; where it does not speak, I don't speak! Over domestic relations Christ is the head of the husband, and the husband is the head of the woman (1 Cor. 11:3). Christ is said in several places to be Head of "all things" (Co. 2:10; Eph. 1:22) and He is head of the church (4:15; Col. 1:18). But the Bible does not say He is the king over the church. The idea of a king has a specific picture in mind. It implies a certain kingship rule that is not seen in the idea of "the body of Christ" with Him as its Head! I care less what the Covenant theologians think; I am not out to impress or to placate them. I am not out to compromise with them on their view of the kingdom. I will not do what they do, and that is, leap to an idea where the Word of God does not leap! Thanks for asking. Dr. Mal Couch (11/10)

The Story of Phinehas

Dr. Couch, what is going on in the story of Phinehas as given in Numbers 25:1-13? ANSWER:  Phinehas was a second generation descendant from Aaron the high priest (v. 7). His name means "dark-skinned." An Israelite was having relations with a Midianite woman in his tent. Phinehas the priest took a spear and went in and ran both of them through. This became a dire and sober warning to the people of Israel not to interact with the pagan people of the land.    Because of his tenacity, Phinehas with given a "covenant of peace" and his family would be perpetual priests. Phinehas, being jealous for his God, had "made an atonement for the sons of Israel" (v. 13). The "covenant of peace" is not a formal covenant but it became an agreement between God and Phinehas for ever. As well, "it shall be for him and his descendants after him, a covenant of a perpetual priesthood" (v. 13a).    This act of Phinehas became a sign of his salvation. The wording is the same as the faith of Abraham that caused God to see him as declared righteous, or saved by his trust. "And God reckoned (or accounted) Abraham's faith unto him for righteousness" (Gen. 15:6).    This is given to us in Psalms 106:30-31 which reads: "Phinehas stood up and interposed (interceded for Israel); and so the plague (against the people) was stopped (or stayed). And it was reckoned to [Phinehas] for righteousness, to all generations forever." In other words, all generations would speak of the act of trust shown by Phinehas. He would be considered righteous just as Abraham.    The Jewish orthodox Rabbis comment on Phinehas:    "With the covenant of peace God is saying that 'He is assuring him of My friendly attitude toward him' (Rabbi Rashi). The word 'covenant' is here used, not in the sense of a compact between two persons, but as an unconditional promise on God's part. In addition to the Divine blessing with which Phinehas' action was rewarded, it received the grateful admiration of succeeding ages. In Psalm 106, we read that his zeal 'was counted unto him for righteousness, unto all generations for ever.'"    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (7-10)